YEI’s Tech Tim is back and he wants to talk to you about Cookies –
what they are and why its important for you to know what to do with them.
What is a Cookie? When you Google the question “What is a cookie” – this is the answer you get:
And while Tech Tim would love to have the edible kind right now,
that is not the kind we are talking about!
In the tech context, cookies are “a packet of data sent by a web server to a browser, which is returned by the browser each time it subsequently accesses the same server, and used to identify the user or track their access to the server.”
Technical jargon over!
Let’s simplify the explanation.
Cookies are essential to the modern internet. Cookies let your device remember certain information like who you are, what you have been searching for, your website logins, and much more.
Guarding your privacy online can be overwhelming. Fortunately, even a basic understanding of cookies can help you keep unwanted eyes off your internet activity
Many reputable websites will ask you to accept cookies in terms like the following
“We use cookies to make your experience of our website better.
By using and further navigating this website, you accept this.
Detailed information about the use of cookies on this website is available
by clicking on more information.”
If you accept Yes, then you are letting them have access to certain data.
If you say No, then some websites will not let you continue.
What are cookies used for?
Without cookies, one would need to login again after you leave a site.
You would need to rebuild your shopping cart, if you accidentally close the page.
This makes cookies an important part of the internet experience.
Allowing or Removing Cookies
It is important to remember that Cookies themselves are not dangerous.
They cannot infect your computer with a virus or other malware.
However, it is possible that some cyberattacks can hijack cookies and enable access to your browser sessions.
Cookies can be an optional part of your internet experience.
If you so choose, you can limit what cookies end up on your computer or mobile device.
If you allow cookies, it will streamline your surfing. For some users though, the potential security risk is more important than a convenient internet experience.
It is also important to remember that if you use public devices such as an internet cafe, you need to ensure that cookies and your browsing history are deleted before you leave the device. This will ensure that those with less noble intentions are not able to access your banking details etc
Here’s how to allow cookies
Find the cookie section
— typically under Settings > Privacy.
Click the boxes to allow cookies.
Sometimes the option says, “Allow local data.”
If you don’t want cookies, you can simply uncheck these boxes.
Here’s how to remove cookies
Find the Settings, Privacy section — sometimes listed under Tools, Internet Options, or Advanced.
Follow the prompts on the available options to manage or remove cookies.
To remove tracking cookie infestations and more malicious types, you need to enlist the help of some internet security software.
Regardless of how you handle cookies, it’s best to remain on guard and regularly clean up your cookies
If you have a question for Tech Tim,
please complete the form below.
Please note that “Tech Tim” cannot supply immediate or 24/7 assistance.
If you are urgently needing assistance, please contact an IT company in your area
or contact your children or grandchildren who may be able to assist
Sources:
https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/cookies
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